Bolton Wanderers boss Steven Schumacher hailed his side’s defensive resilience as they secured a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Peterborough United at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.
The win lifted Wanderers to their highest league position of the season and extended their strong home form, despite tricky conditions caused by Storm Amy.
Defensive Discipline Impresses
Mason Burstow’s quickfire double inside 21 minutes put Bolton in command, but Peterborough struck back before half-time to set up a tense finish. While the home crowd grew restless, Schumacher was pleased with the discipline his players showed to see the game out.
“I think we all need to understand that even though we’re Bolton Wanderers, you’re not going to get a 90-minute game your own way,” said Schumacher.
“There’s always a spell when the opposition has a 10-minute spell, or whatever, and theirs was just before half time when they got the goal.
“We regrouped, we settled down and I thought we did well in the second half. We didn’t have 75 per cent possession like we’ve been used to having – they had more of the ball because that is their style, it is what they do – but we regrouped.”
Weather Challenge and Goalkeeper Praise
The match was played in swirling winds, with Storm Amy making conditions difficult for both teams. Schumacher singled out goalkeeper Teddy Sharman-Lowe for his composure in the blustery weather after recent scrutiny of his performances.
“The wind was difficult, it swirled around, and I thought Teddy did really well,” Schumacher added.
“He made a good save in the first half and didn’t need to make one in the second half because of the defending in front of him.
“As a unit, we haven’t given anything away on our goal at all in the second half and that’s really pleasing. We need to keep working on that because that is going to be the foundation if we are going to have any success.”
Writer’s View
Bolton’s display may not have been their most fluent, but it showed the kind of grit often demanded of promotion contenders. Schumacher’s satisfaction came less from possession or flair, and more from how his side managed the game under pressure.
With a tough run of fixtures ahead, this victory offers reassurance that Wanderers can win ugly when required, an important trait for any side with genuine ambitions of escaping League One.
